PSST! The secret regime that helped Kate lose her baby weight

Algae smoothies. Special mum tum busting moves. And tips from Meghan’s wardrobe...

THAT such a svelte silhouette belongs to a woman who gave birth only six months ago — never mind one who’s had three babies in the past five years — is hard to believe.

Yet, at the age of 36, Kate Middleton looked strikingly sylph-like in a pair of skin-tight jeans and a black poloneck as she showed off her tennis skills on a royal engagement earlier this week.

As any mother knows, Kate’s shape can only be the result of real dedication. But then it can’t be easy when you are sharing a Buckingham Palace balcony with a sister-in-law like Meghan, who is hot off the Hollywood red carpet.

While no ordinary woman can reasonably be expected to regain her pre-baby body for the third time so quickly, the burning question is how does Kate manage to look so great?

GLAMOROUS GLADRAGS

FOLLOWING the birth in April of Prince Louis, Kate has only started performing public engagements over the past month.

And it seems her five months maternity leave has given her time to think about an image revamp — as well as to study the form of her stylish sister-in-law.

While Meghan may have got through an incredible 41 outfit changes during her first official foreign tour to Australia, at home Kate’s making sure her own outfits are just as eye-catching.

She brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to a state dinner at Buckingham Palace last week when she wore a steel blue ruched Alexander McQueen ball-gown, her most daring to date.

So could some of Meghan’s style be starting to rub off on her sister-in-law?

The pair are certainly starting to share more designer labels.

They are both fans of the Canadian brand Smythe, and this week Kate wore their new season €645 blazer for her visit to Coach Core in Essex, teaming it with pair of on-trend Aquatalia ankle boots and a roll-neck jumper.

Since Meghan joined the British royal family, Kate has also opted for more youthful, less matronly styles, such as the cap-sleeved, bright yellow, form-fitting Dolce and Gabbana dress she wore to Wimbledon — which could just as easily have been found in Meghan’s wardrobe.

KINDEST CUT

THE first signs that Kate was back with a new image was her shorter hair cut.

Celebrity hair stylist Jason Collier says: ‘Her hair looks a few inches shorter than when we last saw her, with some layers and lighter highlights added in for extra bounce and shine.

‘Kate looks to have lightened her shade overall to give a sun-kissed effect. This is a great way to disguise any first greys; her hair is naturally so dark that any grey strands would show up more noticeably, so the lightened locks are a clever move.

‘The colour also lifts her skin tone, so overall it looks very fresh.

‘Of course, Kate gave birth to her third child this year and is likely still to be experiencing the effects of post-partum hair loss, but her hair looks very thick and shiny.’

Celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, creative director of the Headmasters salons, says Kate knows at-home conditioning is the key — and she does not stint.

The fact that her hair may have thinned out a little during pregcurling nancy may also have made it easier to manage — and he believes Kate’s skin tone is flattered by going two shades lighter and weaving in lots of subtle tones.

‘She has got just enough length — it’s just a bit longer than shoulder length now, so it’s not too long that it gets in her way, but it can also be swept into an updo or tiara for formal occasions.’

To keep her tresses shiny, Kate likes Kiehl’s Creme Silk Groom shampoo or Kerastase Nutriv Bain Oleo, brushed out with Mason Pearson bristle and nylon brushes, and held in place with L’Oreal’s Elnett hairspray.

While Kate still goes to Richard Ward’s Chelsea salon for colour, to keep the royal crowning glory looking good for engagements she also has her travelling stylist Amanda Cook Tucker.

Amanda has revealed that she uses no fewer than three pairs of tongs, two hairdryers and 13 hair brushes to keep Kate’s hair in check.

FIT FOR ANYTHING

HER appearance in head-to-toe black brings to mind a female version of the all-action Milk Tray Man. Indeed, Kate has always viewed exercise as a non-negotiable part of her daily regime.

Her appearance on the tennis court undertaking royal duties on Tuesday echoes her first solo appearance four months after the birth of Prince George.

Then, she wore identical skinny jeans to take part in a game of volley-ball — and her Breton shirt rose up to reveal a stomach that was already wash-board flat.

Her decision to wear a similar figure-hugging outfit this week shows how confident Kate is that she’s pulled it off again.

A royal insider says: ‘Kate was concerned about the effects on her figure of a third child, particularly as she is also moving towards her late 30s. So she has made an extra special effort in toning up.’

ABS ATTACK

TO HOME-IN on her abs, Kate has been performing multiple sets of leg raises on a large mat, while resting her head on a feather pillow, according to a palace insider. This helps to bring the

rectus abdominis — or ‘six pack’ muscles that separate in pregnancy — back together again.

Kate is also said to like the Mutu System — a 12-week online programme of post-natal exercise to address this and also strengthen her pelvic floor.

THAT WASPISH WAIST

KATE has a slender waist for any woman — let alone a 36-year-old mother of three.

As well as eating well and exercising, she appeared to have gained barely more than 2st during her third pregnancy.

Her secret is her on-going dedication to developing strong core muscles with regular post-natal abdominal exercises. While most mums have to trek to the gym, Kate is lucky enough to have the run of the state-of-the-art equipment at her Kensington Palace home.

After the school run, she also visits her sister, Pippa, who recently gave birth to her first child, at her €19million stuccofronted mansion — which also has a high-tech fitness studio.

The sisters are said to follow up their sessions, set to their favourite music, with a massage and a light organic lunch.

Kate also enjoys plenty of spinning on her exercise bike, and cycles in the countryside when she wants some fresh air.